CBP Wants More Data on Your Cheap Amazon Packages—Bonds Too?
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 7 costs, 0 mixed.
Bond requirement and $1,000 minimum liquidated damages
CBP proposes that all entry type 11 and entry type 13 filers must obtain a basic importation and entry bond (single-transaction or continuous) with the conditions in 19 CFR 113.62. CBP also proposes a minimum liquidated damages amount of $1,000 for breaches of listed bond conditions (or three times value or $1,000, whichever is greater, for restricted/prohibited merchandise or alcoholic beverages).
Raise informal entry eligibility for certain Chapter 99 goods
CBP proposes removing the $250 limit that currently prevents merchandise classified under Chapter 99, Subchapters III and IV, HTSUS (e.g., goods subject to temporary trade remedies) valued between $251 and $2,500 from using informal entry. Under the change, such goods valued up to $2,500 would be eligible for informal entry procedures.
Consignees must appoint licensed broker if not owner/purchaser
A consignee who is not the owner or purchaser (for example, a foreign postal operator, USPS, freight forwarder, or carrier) would need to appoint a licensed customs broker to act as the importer of record for informal entries of shipments valued at $2,500 or less. This requirement applies to entry type 11 and the new entry type 13.
New electronic informal mail entry (type 13) with extra data rules
CBP proposes a new entry type 13 for mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less that must be entered electronically upon or prior to importation. Entry type 13 filers must provide additional data such as the Shipper/Sender identity and address, and carriers must provide the Universal Postal Union S‑10 tracking number on the inward manifest so CBP can match the carrier manifest to the entry.
Unentered mail articles deemed abandoned after 15 days
If a mail shipment valued at $2,500 or less is not timely and properly entered, CBP proposes that it will be considered voluntarily abandoned 15 days after the date of importation. Deemed-abandoned mail articles will be processed by USPS, which may include destruction or return to sender.
CBP may require blanket formal entry by importer or product
CBP proposes to broaden the circumstances in which it may require formal entry for merchandise otherwise eligible for informal entry, including allowing CBP to require formal entry by a specific importer of record, by specific types or categories of merchandise, or by merchandise produced by a specific manufacturer or seller.
Electronic filing required for low‑value entries
If you import goods valued at $2,500 or less, CBP proposes that those informal entries (entry type 11) must be filed electronically and submitted upon or prior to the date of importation. The rule notes that the deadline to make entry for such informal entries will be upon or prior to the date of arrival in the United States.
Must report final deliver‑to party on informal entries
CBP proposes requiring identification of the Final Deliver-To Party (including address) on entry type 11 filings when that party is different from the ultimate consignee named on CBP Form 7501. This data must be provided as part of the informal entry submission.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.
2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network
Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!
2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for public feedback on a form they use to handle court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This update keeps the paperwork clear and efficient for businesses and agencies involved. Comments are open until November 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.
2026-20171, Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Entry Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating the paperwork they collect for entry summaries, which affects businesses and agencies involved in importing goods. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and efficient. No big cost changes are mentioned, but your input can help shape smoother trade paperwork!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20622, Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order
California almond growers and handlers are getting a new power to borrow money from banks to help run their marketing order smoothly. This change aims to keep things running without hiccups and will be voted on between November 2 and 20, 2026. If approved, it could make managing almond marketing more flexible and financially stable.
Next: 2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees
Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!